MOUNDSVILLE – A Marshall County couple is suing Gastar Exploration over claims that the company’s oil and/or natural gas drilling, exploration and extraction have damaged their property and way of life.
Kenneth Corley and Nadine Corley filed an undated lawsuit in Marshall Circuit Court against the gas and oil company alleging nuisance, surface damages and trespassing.
According to the complaint, the Corleys own a 120-acre patch of land located at 7069 Ridge Road, Moundsville. They allege that Gastar Exploration Inc., operating under a lease to mine the minerals owned by Sharon Midcap under their property via Simms Unit, has been conducting its business without regards and/or respect to the plaintiffs’ property, personal well-being, and health. The plaintiffs argue that the defendant released harmful emissions and by-products via drilling, contributed to excessive noise pollution, worked without regard to their sleeping schedule or work, and has forced them to evacuate their property on two separate occasions.
They are suing for compensatory and punitive damages, a declaration that the defendant has no right to utilize the portion of the access road on the plaintiffs' property, an abatement of activities, court and attorney fees, and other such rewards deemed just by the court. They are represented by Christian E. Turak of Gold, Khourey & Turak L.C. of Moundsville. The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Jeffrey Cramer.
Marshall Circuit Court Case number 16-C-3C